Battle of the Boba

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While driving around the 626, it is nearly impossible to ignore the endless array of boba shops aligning the streets. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to confidently pick the place you want to spend your cash. This list is here to help.Boba, also known as bubble tea, is a sweet drink originating from Taiwan. Boba consists of your choice of drink, which can range from creamy milk teas to fruity smoothies to even coffee that come along with slightly sweet and very chewy tapioca balls. The drink has long been a staple in Asia. Over the past decade, however, boba has become immensely popular in California, in areas such as the 626 that are heavily populated with those of Asian descent.

Nestled in the corner of a small plaza, Nest Tea House is a fairly new boba shop that has proven itself to be one of the most wallet-friendly places in the area. Although prices are somewhat standard, ranging from $3-4, drinks are generously laden with boba pearls. Get even more out of your money by checking into Yelp and receive 10% off your entire order.

Best Quali-tea:7Leaves Cafe151 N Garfield

Alhambra, CA 918017leavescafe.com

Quality over quantity stands true at 7Leaves Cafe. The menu at 7Leaves is relatively small, featuring drinks such as Sea Salt Jasmine Tea and Japanese Matcha Tea. They pride themselves on making the “tastiest drinks from around the world using the best ingredients,” which you can verify immediately upon taking your first sip.

Best Boba:Half & Half120 N San Gabriel Blvd

Ste H

San Gabriel, CA 91778http://www.halfandhalfteaexpress.com/

Other than the actual liquid portion of a boba drink, the most important part is the boba! In order to ensure that the shiny black pearls are the proper chewiness and sweetness, boba stores must be careful to ensure that they are cooked correctly, sweetened, and served up fresh.

Half & Half consistently serves up warm, fresh, and perfectly sweet boba. You can literally feel the heat emanating on the bottom of each cup.

Most Unique:Dingleberries Coffee & Tea

9711 Valley Blvd

Ste A

Rosemead, CA 91770https://dingleberriescoffeeandtea.com/Perhaps you are someone who has been quite familiar with the boba trend and want to have a taste of something different. Dingleberries Coffee & Tea is the perfect place for you. Dingleberries, as suggested by its name, serves up some uniquely flavored drinks with equally quirky names. Be sure to mention if it’s your first visit! The store offers a platter filled with samples all of nearly their entire menu for first time customers.

Best Overall:

Half & Half120 N San Gabriel Blvd

Ste H

San Gabriel, CA 91778http://www.halfandhalfteaexpress.com/

In addition to serving up the best boba, Half & Half is the overall top choice for boba-lovers. The menu features a wide range of drinks, including their unique creation known as Ice Milk, at reasonable prices in large quantities. They also pioneered honey boba, or boba that is sweetened by honey.

Honorable Mention:

AU79, Tea Brick815 W Naomi Ave

Ste G

Arcadia, CA 91007http://www.au79teahouse.com/501 W Garvey Ave

Ste 105

Monterey Park, CA 91754https://www.teabrick.online/

Although these two shops did not necessarily make it onto the list, they are still worthy of trying. AU79 can be somewhat shady, but the drinks are solid in taste. They also sometimes have pink boba! In addition to having solidly tasty drinks, Tea Brick serves their boba in adorable plastic cups and offer a variety of unique drinks.